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PROS

CONS

VERDICT

Linkoidz gets the best of both worlds as it matches fast-paced three-match gameplay with an element of strategy to create something unique and fun to enjoy over and over.

Full Review

App Store Info

It's so easy to expect a new three-match title to be nothing more than an elaborate redesign of those that came before it and while it may be cynical to think this way, the upside is that when someone does do something new it tends to stand out like a sore thumb.

Linkoidz by Retro Dreamer dispenses with mere gem swapping and players will need to rearrange the field by plucking orbs from the bottom and feeding them back up again in order to create vertical stacks of three or more that can subsequently demolish any other similar orbs nearby. In a way this is not unlike Puzzle Bobble, but instead of requiring sharp aiming and luck, you can set up the field for huge combos by quickly rearranging each column.

Each orb has a distinctly creepy look to them despite the cartoonish style of the game (and one wonders how your hero can stay upright with a head that weighs more than his body), but this only adds to the simple charm of the game. Multiple tutorials and challenges set players up to learn the game inside-out and once completed multiple arcade modes are available for each of the game's areas.

After a little while the shape of the gameplay starts to take form and unlike a lot of other three-match games, Linkoidz has a genuine feeling of strategy to its high-speed gameplay. Linkoidz is a rare gem that gets better over time and if you're after a new arcade-puzzler this is definitely a no-brainer purchase.

Description

Linkoidz is an out of this world new arcade puzzle game. Crash landed on an alien planet, you must fight off the Linkoidz onslaught with only your gravity gun and trusty energy shield.

Touch Arcade: "Linkoidz stands out from the pack by being designed to feel natural to the touch screen interface and offering some frantic matching fun."

SlideToPlay: "All the elements of Linkoidz work together perfectly: The eye-catching graphics and animation, the exciting soundtrack; the novel control scheme, and the increasingly frantic challenge." 4/4

AppAdvice: "Linkoidz will have you hooked immediately with such an easy control mechanic, and such fast paced challenging gameplay." 4.5/5

AppAddict: "It’s silky smooth controls and downright addictive gameplay set the new gold standard for arcade match 3 games on the platform." 4.5/5

148Apps: "There are a lot of match-3 games on the App Store, but Retro Dreamer has something special here." 4.5/5

AppSpy: "Linkoidz is a rare gem that gets better over time and if you’re after a new arcade-puzzler this is definitely a no-brainer purchase." 5/5

Are your fingers up to this addicting new challenge?

Linkoidz has 3 different Arcade modes, as well as 30 training and challenge missions. The training missions will teach you the basics, then you'll be on your own against all the Linkoidz and their queens if you want to escape.

The Endless arcade mode offers non stop adrenaline fuelled action, but there's also the Sprint mode for a quick game, and Zen mode if you prefer a more relaxing game. All of the arcade modes can be played in a variety of different difficulty settings.